Welcome to our Flooring Glossary, your go-to reference for understanding common flooring terms, materials, types of flooring, finishes, and installation methods. Whether you're shopping for your first home or planning a full renovation, this guide will help you make informed flooring decisions with confidence.
Solid Hardwood: Made from a single piece of solid wood, this hardwood flooring plank can be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it a long-lasting wood flooring option endorsed by the National Wood Flooring Association. Known for its timeless look and durability, attaching wood flooring of this type typically requires professional installation. Available in various wood species, it serves as a classic floor covering choice.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Built with a real hardwood top layer over a plywood or HDF core, engineered wood flooring offers greater dimensional stability and versatility. It can be installed in areas where solid hardwood may not perform well, such as over concrete subfloors. Engineered wood options also allow the use of various wood species and reclaimed wood, providing a unique look.
Prefinished Hardwood: This factory-finished hardwood material option offers quicker installation and consistent surface quality. It’s a popular choice for those seeking reduced installation time and minimal disruption. Prefinished planks come in a variety of wood species and styles, enhancing any floor covering design.
Unfinished Hardwood: Sanded and finished on-site, this type of wood flooring allows for precise custom stain matching. It’s ideal for projects that require a seamless blend with current floors and full control over the final finish. Available in many wood species, it also pairs well with reclaimed wood elements for a custom floor covering.
Grain Pattern: Natural lines in the wood. Plain-sawn, rift-sawn, and quarter-sawn are the most common.
Beveled Edge: Angled plank edges that create defined lines between boards.
Janka Rating: Measures a wood’s hardness and durability.
Distressed Finish: A hand-scraped or aged look for a rustic appearance.
Tongue and Groove: Interlocking plank edges for a secure fit.
Floating Floor: Planks lock together and rest on the subfloor without glue or nails.
Glue-Down / Nail-Down: Methods used to attach flooring directly to the subfloor.
Expansion Gap: Space left around the perimeter to accommodate movement.
Moisture Barrier: A Layer that prevents subfloor moisture from affecting hardwood.
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Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): This flooring option mimics hardwood planks with impressive realism and excellent durability. This waterproof, scratch-resistant flooring surface handles heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): Replicates ceramic or stone looks with realistic textures. This resilient, water-resistant flooring is easy to maintain and works well in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and entryways.
Sheet Vinyl: Sold in large rolls with minimal seams, it offers a seamless floor covering that resists moisture. It’s durable, easy to clean, and popular for kitchens and bathrooms.
SPC / WPC Vinyl: These are rigid-core vinyl flooring options. SPC (stone plastic composite) offers top dimensional stability and impact resistance, while WPC (wood plastic composite) provides a softer, more comfortable feel. Both types are waterproof, durable, and perfect for high-traffic areas.
Wear Layer: The top layer that protects against scuffs and stains, measured in mils. This makes for resilient flooring that is scratch-resistant and can withstand heavy foot traffic.
Embossed in Register (EIR): Texturing that matches the printed woodgrain.
Underlayment: This support flooring adds cushioning, reduces sound, and may include a moisture barrier.
Expansion space: Required for certain types of vinyl plank flooring to maintain dimensional stability over time.
Click-Lock: DIY-friendly floating install method.
Glue-Down: Common in commercial settings for added stability.
Peel-and-Stick: Self-adhesive tiles for simple installation.
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Cut Pile: Soft texture. Includes plush, saxony, and frieze styles.
Loop Pile: Durable and ideal for high-traffic areas. Includes Berber and level loop.
Cut and Loop: Combines textures for visual interest.
Nylon: Durable and resilient.
Polyester: Soft and budget-friendly.
Olefin: Moisture- and stain-resistant.
Face Weight: Ounces of fiber per square yard. A higher weight means a denser carpet.
Twist: Higher twist counts improve durability.
Padding: A cushion layer underneath that extends carpet life.
Stretch-In: Carpet stretched over padding and secured with tack strips.
Glue-Down: Secures directly to subfloor, often in commercial settings.
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Ceramic Tile: Kiln-fired clay — durable and versatile.
Porcelain Tile: Denser than ceramic, often used in high-traffic or outdoor areas.
Authentic Stone Tile: Includes marble, slate, and granite. Each tile is unique.
Mosaic Tile: Small, decorative tiles often used for accents or detailed floor patterns.
PEI Rating: Indicates tile hardness (1–5).
COF Rating: Measures slip resistance.
Glazed vs. Unglazed: Glazed tiles resist moisture; unglazed tiles offer a natural look.
Thinset Mortar: Cement-based adhesive for tile installation.
Grout: Fills the gaps between tiles.
Backer Board: Moisture-resistant base layer.
Spacers: Ensure consistent grout lines.
Sealant: Used on grout or porous tiles for protection.
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Wear Layer: Protective coating against wear.
Decorative Layer: High-resolution image of wood or stone.
Core Layer: Usually high-density fiberboard (HDF).
Backing Layer: Adds moisture resistance and stability.
AC Rating: Durability scale from AC1 (light use) to AC5 (heavy commercial).
EIR Surface: Texturing that aligns with the decorative layer.
Click-Lock: Easy interlocking system, and tiles are all the same width
Floating Install: No glue or nails required.
Expansion Gap: Necessary for climate-based movement.
Underlayment: Optional cushion and soundproofing layer.
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Regular cleaning, using proper products, and addressing spills quickly help preserve your flooring surface.
Hardwood: Refinish as needed. Use furniture pads and maintain humidity.
Vinyl: Use soft-bristle brooms and avoid excessive water.
Carpet: Vacuum frequently. Schedule professional deep cleaning.
Tile: Clean grout lines regularly. Reseal stone surfaces.
Laminate: Use dry or damp cloths. Avoid wet mopping.
Discover expert tips and advice to keep your floors looking their best by exploring our Care and Maintenance Guide for easy, professional cleaning and care solutions.
Ready to transform your space with stunning new floors? Explore our wide selection of high-quality flooring options online or schedule your free at-home estimate today. Let our experts guide you to the perfect flooring solution for every room and every project. Don’t wait, start your flooring journey now and bring your vision to life!